Due to their similarity, risk and danger can be confused and used in incorrect expressions. Both refer to events that would have negative effects if they occurred. However, it is important to distinguish their actual meanings. Next we will see the difference between risk and danger, but first we will define each concept.
What is danger?
Danger refers to any act or event that has the capacity to cause harm. Therefore, everything that can directly or indirectly damage each of our material assets or our physical or mental integrity is dangerous .
The danger does not always come from the outside, but arises from negligence, the insecure or wrong way in which certain situations or objects are handled. A car, for example, by itself is not a danger, but if you go out with it on a night of heavy snow and rain, surely the danger increases greatly.
Examples of danger
- The little boy knows the danger he runs if he runs down the stairs.
- My neighbor’s dog is a danger to my rabbits.
As you may have noticed, in the previous sentences the word “danger” was included to indicate that there is a probability that something negative or unwanted could happen.
What is risk?
Unlike risk, which is related to the “probability of harm”, risk has to do with the possibility that harm will occur.
Examples of risk
- Obese people are at high risk for diabetes.
- The policy covers all types of risks.
As can be noted, in these sentences the word risk is used in the sense of “possibility” of harm occurring.
Difference Between Risk and Danger
- Hazard is the probability of harm, while risk is the chance that harm will occur.
- In summary, the danger can occur every day, while the risk is the probability of a latent danger that could occur in the future.
- The risk is the result of not taking the necessary measures to minimize the danger.
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